From Military to Academic Nursing: Embracing an Untapped Leadership Resource

Background: Strong leaders are essential for nursing program success, yet few faculty are interested or qualified to assume leadership positions within academia. This generates concern over lingering shortages and lack of succession planning. Method: A qualitative, descriptive study examined the transition experience of military nurses who became nurse educators. Emerging from an analysis of interviews with 13 Veteran nurses, the subtheme of "using my leadership toolbox" is explored within the context of leadership development. Results: Grounded in their military leadership development, the participants modeled essential leader qualities. They demonstrated confidence, vision, humility, a strong work ethic, clear communication, and a willingness to assume risk. Conclusion: Veteran nurses may be a viable solution to bring leadership knowledge, behaviors, and experience to the faculty role. Current academic leaders should facilitate the translation of these leadership attributes to address ongoing challenges facing nursing education.